Saudi Arabia has taken the most humanitarian decision in its history in June 2025. The government officially ended the kafala (sponsorship) system, which had been a burden on migrant workers for decades. The move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 policy, which aims to free the country’s economy from oil dependence and modernize the labor market.

This decision will directly provide relief to about 1.34 crore foreign workers, which includes about 25 lakh Indians. The Kafala system was in force in the Gulf countries for a long time. Under this, for any foreign employee to work in the country, permission from a local sponsor i.e. employer was required. The employer not only controlled the visa and residency permit (Iqama) of the employee, but also had the right to change jobs or leave the country. This system gradually became a tool of exploitation. Many employers confiscated employees’ passports, withheld salaries and forced them to work. International organizations had described this system as akin to modern slavery.

What has changed in the new labor policy
The new law implemented by Saudi Arabia is based on a completely digital and transparent system. Workers will now have the freedom to change jobs without their employer’s permission, provided they have completed the contract or given proper notice. Employees will also not need an exit permit to leave or return to the country. All processes will now be done through online portal, which will prevent any kind of arbitrary behavior. This change presents Saudi Arabia as a modern, pro-human rights and investor-friendly country.

Big relief decision for Indian immigrants
This reform can prove to be a life-changer for Indians working in Saudi Arabia. Now, if any worker faces poor treatment or unfair wage policy, he can look for another job without any fear. Unlike earlier, impounding passports or withholding permission to go out will now be considered a crime. This will provide Indian expatriates with better security, fairer work environment and fair salary opportunities. This reform will not only increase individual freedom, but will also motivate companies to become more competitive. Will do.

Why was this reform necessary?
This step of Saudi Arabia is not only a labor policy but also a diplomatic message. The country now wants to show international investors and global institutions that it is serious in adopting the standards of human rights and transparency. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has been demanding the abolition of the Kafala system for years. Now this change will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s image globally and attract foreign talent to participate in the country’s economy.

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Saudi Arabia sentenced 8 people to death on Saturday. In this, seven more people were hanged in the case of killing their mother in cases related to drug smuggling. This information was given by the government news agency Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

According to the SPA, four Somali and three Ethiopian citizens were sentenced to death on charges of “Hashish’s smuggling” in the southern region Najraran. All were convicted in the case related to drugs.

So far 230 people have been hanged in 2025
According to the AFP report, since the beginning of 2025, 230 people have been hanged in Saudi Arabia so far. Of these, 154 people have been sentenced to death in cases related to drugs.

2024 records can also leave 2025
According to experts, the hanging speed in 2025 can cross the 2024 figures. Last year, 338 people were sentenced to death. This increase is believed to be the result of the “War against drugs” launched in 2023.

Fans increased due to “War on Drugs” started from 2023
Analysts believe that the number of fans has increased due to the “War on Drugs” campaign against drugs. Under this campaign started in 2023, the arrested people are now being punished.

What happened so far on the hanging of drugs
2019-2022: There was a ban on hanging in drug cases for almost three years.
2022: 19 people were hanged in drug cases.
2023: Only 2 people were hanged.
2024: 117 people were punished in case of drugs.
2025: So far, 154 fans have been done only in drug cases.

Criticism and government side
Human rights activists are criticizing Saudi Arabia’s policy of constantly hanging. He says that it damages the image of the country’s “open and tolerant society”, which is part of the Vision 2030 scheme of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. At the same time, the Saudi government says that “death punishment is necessary to maintain public system and it is given only after the final appeal is rejected.”